{"id":3247,"date":"2026-07-31T10:29:03","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/?p=3247"},"modified":"2026-07-31T10:29:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:29:03","slug":"the-following-is-or-the-following-are-grammar-rule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/the-following-is-or-the-following-are-grammar-rule\/","title":{"rendered":"‘The Following Is’ or ‘The Following Are’? The Complete Grammar Rule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When introducing a list, bullet points, or supporting details in business emails and formal reports, choosing between “the following is”<\/strong> and “the following are”<\/strong> can be surprisingly confusing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should the verb adapt to the singular noun phrase “the following,” or should it match the item (or items) coming after it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rule is straightforward once you know what to look for: both forms are correct, but their usage depends on whether the noun or items that follow are singular or plural.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide breaks down the underlying grammar rules, common usage scenarios, and quick checks to ensure your list introductions are always grammatically sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Note: This guide expands upon the grammar rules discussed in theEnglish Forward ‘The Following Is or Are’ Thread<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

1. The Core Grammar Rule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the phrase “the following,” the word following<\/em> functions as a noun equivalent or noun phrase. Because it represents the thing or things being listed immediately afterward, the verb (is<\/strong> vs. are<\/strong>) must agree with the number of items in that list<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use “The Following Is” for Singular Nouns or Single Items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When what follows is a single item, a singular noun, a single document, or a singular noun clause, use is<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n